Sports clock



Oct. 17, 1939. R, STEENECK ETAL 2,176,438

SPORTS CLOCK Filed May 29, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENToRs R. STEENECK By\ R F, DIRKES ATT RNEY Oct. 17, 1939.

R. sTEENEcK ET Al. 2,176,438

SPORTS CLOCK I Filed May 29, 19:54 2 sheets-sheet 2 '3 I4 52 FIG. 4 .A B

mlm @au gwm 6 l ZERO RESET 5 l A r'" 5 E ZERO 'm' l ZERO START START OPERATING ZERO SIGNAL STOP 44A 4 B i l45A Eje l2 Il Q INVENTORS R. STEENECK BY R. F. DrRKEs Patented Oct. 17, 1939 UNiTED STATES PATENT OFFICE Dirkes, Jamaica,

Y., assignors to The Western Union Telegraph Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application May 29, 1934, Serial No. 728,154

11 Claims.

This invention relates to clocks or other timing devices primarily adapted to timing of games or other events, such as football, basketball, lacrosse, and the like.

The general object of this invention is to provide a large dial clock which may be operated by an oflicial to time the game and to be set up in connection with the gam-e score boardor set up separately in a position in which it may be viewed by the audience or those attending the event. Another object is to provide multiple units of this clock when it is necessary, in order to permit the entire audience to observe the time progress of the game.

In the majority of games or sports events which command wid-e popularity, time is of the essence in determining the course of the game or event. However, the methods mainly employed for timing such events: are archaic and substantially no improvement has been made in recent years in the methods of keeping time in such events. Usually the time is kept by an ofcial charged with that duty from a small stop watch or like device of which he has full charge and which is not visible to anyone except himself. However, the audience or spectators of the game are quite as interested in the time progress of the event as in the skill displayed by the participators. Where clocks or timing devices constructed vaccording to this invention have been installed a noticeable increase in interest in the game on the part of the spectators is quite evident.

In addition, often times the accuracy of timing an event is brought into dispute and the integrity of the official timekeeper is sometimes doubted. This is less likely to occur, however, when the clock or other timing device operated by or under the control of the oflicial timekeeper is displayed in full public view since it is easier to detect actual timing mistakes when they are made.

It is a further object of this invention, therefore, to provide a sports timing mechanism, which may be displayed in full public View, and which will perform all of the functions ordinarily performed upon the timing instrument commonly employed by the timekeeper.

Another object is to provide means to control such a timing device from some remote central point or points, such control to embody means for starting and stopping the clock, as the plays of the game progress, and also for setting the clock to a new position when necessary during the progress of the game.

Another object is to provide a clock employing a large dial, having correspondingly large hands, one of which makes a complete revolution in one minute, as with the ordinary clock or stop watch and another of which makes a revolution or a predetermined portion thereof during the time allotted for each game period, such as the quarters in the case of football.

A further object is to automatically stop the time clock or clocks at` the end of each play period and to automatically operate a signal indicative of the termination of the time period.

A still further .object is to provide means for operating several clock units in unison from a single control point.

Still another object is to provide means to synchronize periodically, during the progress of the game, the several clock units.

A still further object is to provide a portable control means, which may be employed by a sideline referee for instance in timing a game of football, for operating the timing mechanism as he follows the progress of the teams over the field.

Still another object is to provide a signal to indicate the exact moment when the oicial starts and stops the clock.

These and other objects of this invention Will be apparent from the following description and claims taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which- Fig. l shows a plan view partly in section of the operating mechanism or -movement of the timing device;

Fig. 2 is an end View taken along the line 35 2 2 of Fig. l, omitting the drive motor and the shaft gearedthereto;

Fig. 3 is a sectional View on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 isa diagrammatic View of the wiring for 40 operating two clock units together; and

Fig. 5 is a View in elevation of the dial.

The clock units, according to this invention, are duplicates of each other, substantially identical in form, and any desired number may be operated in unison substantially as described hereinafter.

Each unit in its preferred form employs a dial ill such as illustrated in Fig. 5.Y The particular dial illustrated is intended for use in connection with games employing 15 minute periods, such as football. ln its preferred form the dial is divided into l5 time periods and is enumerated in reverse order from the progress of the clock hand. In connection with the dial, preferably two hands are employed in indicating the time. The small or seconds hand is arranged to rotate clockwise, making a complete revolution in one minute. The large hand I2 is arranged to rotate in a clockwise direction, making one complete revolution for each of the time periods in which the game is divided. Thus for football the hand makes a complete revolution in l5 minutes.

It will be observed in following the dial from. zero in a clockwise direction that the numerals on the dial are respectively l2, 9, 6 and 3. The purpose of this is to cause the clock to indicate the time in minutes remaining in each time period, or in other words, the number of minutes to go. Thus when the hand I2 reaches the first numeral on the dial three minutes of the game period will have elapsed and there will be twelve minutes remaining, which is the indication on the dial. It should be borne in mind, however, that the clock may be-employed with equal advantage to measure the game period in time elapsed as in ordinary clock measurement or time indications.

In addition to the above features, according to this invention, a signal light I3 is displayed upon the dial. These lights are preferably arranged to be lighted when the clock is in operation or is measuring time and extinguished when the clock is stopped. The lighting and extinguishing of the lights, therefore indicates to the observers the exact time when the clock is started and stopped by the oicial operating the same. By this means the spectators are enabled to compare the operation of the clock with the observed actual length of each play in the game. This increases the incentive for the timekeeper to be exact in his following of the plays of the game. It will also largely settle controversies involving the question of whether the time recorded corresponded to the actual play. As Will be described hereinafter automatic means for stopping the clock at the end of a game period will largely eliminate controversies in connection with footfall and similar games, as to whether the final play was completed within the game period.

The operating mechanism for a clock unit as shown in Figs. l, 2 and 3 consists of a constant speed motor I5, which may be either a synchronous motor driven from a well regulated alternating current supply or a governed motor held at a substantially constant speed, such as a motor employing a very-sensitive governor or a tuning fork control. This motor is geared to a shaft I6. In the particular embodiment shown the ratio of the drive is preferably such that the speed of the shaft I6 will be 300 revolutions per minute. It is to be understood, however, that any other assigned speed may be employed. The shaft I6 is coupled through a crown clutch, embodying a driving member I'I and a driven member I 8, to a gear box I9. The speed is reduced through this from 300 R. P. M. on the high speed shaft to 1 R. P. M. on the slow speed shaft 2|. This shaft extends through a net work of mechanism to the front of the clock dial I0 to carry the seconds hand II.

The clutch members I'I and I8 are normally held in engagement through the action of spring 22 when the clutch magnet 23 is energized. Upon de-energizing of clutch magnet 23, the rounded portion of its armature 24 cams-out the driven clutch member I8, thus disengaging it from the driving member I1 connected to the countershaft I6. A jockey roller 25 is provided to hold driven clutch member I8 in its cammed-out position until magnet 23 is again energized. This method of clutching stops the clock in steps of fths of a second. Magnet 23 is energized and de-energized under the influence of a time keeper in accordance with the rules of the game.

The minutes hand I2 is driven from the seconds hand shaft 2| through a planetary gear system. The planet wheel mounting 26 is directly connected to shaft 2| and carries planet wheels 21 and 28 which are directly connected to each other by a shaft 29 free to rotate in the bearing furnished by the mounting 26. Planet wheels 28 and 28 mesh respectively with two internal gears 3| and 32. Internal gear 3| is normally held from rotation by armature 33 of magnet 34, thus forming the sun wheel of the planetary system. Internal gear 32 is the driven wheel and is solidly connected to the minutes hand I2 through a sleeve 35 bearing on shaft 2|. Due to the fact that planet wheels 2l and 28 have a different number of teeth, a relative motion is imparted to gear 32 with respect to gear 3|, as the planet wheels rotate within these two internal gears. Planet wheel 2'I has fteen teeth and planet wheel 28 has fourteen teeth in the particular embodiment shown. Internal gears 3| and 32 both have seventy-five teeth, thus driving the minutes hand II at one-fifteenth the speed of the seconds hand when sun wheel 3| is held from rotation, as will be explained hereinafter. Every revolution of planet wheel 21 with respect to sun wheel 3| causes internal driven gear 32 to move one tooth with respect to sun wheel 3|. Thus, when the shaft 2| makes one revolution carrying the planet wheel mounting 26, therewith, the driven gear 32 will move five teeth with respect to the sun wheel 3| or one-fifteenth of a revolution.

Sun wheel 3| has fourteen notches cut in its periphery which engage with the armature 33 of magnet 36. A friction plate 36 pushed against the sun wheel 3| by a spring 30 tends to rotate the wheel 3| as a unit with shaft 2|. Armature 33, however. prevents this rotation. Upon the release of the armature 33, however, internal sun wheel 3| is free to rotate with shaft 2| through the friction drive of disk 36. Thus, the planetary unit acts as a solid coupling and the minutes hand I2 rotates at the same speed as the seconds hand II. Releasing the sun wheel 3| for one notch has the equivalent eiTect of moving the minutes hand I2 through an arc corresponding to one minute. Thus, it is possible to adjust the initial position of the minutes hand to correspond to a shortening of the playing time of a period from fteen to any other time, in minutes. This is highly desirable in preseasonal games or in other games where weather or other conditions so dictate. This may be accomplished by releasing armature 33 for a number of notches corresponding to the number of minutes it is desired to cut from the normal playing time. This may be done during the progress of the game without taking any playing time from the game for the purpose of setting the clock. This also provides a convenient means for quickly setting the clock to zero before the beginning of the game should for some reason the hands be in some other position at that time.

Two sets of contacts 3I and 38 are provided for automatically stopping the clock when both hands reach Zero at the end of a period. The minutes hand contact 38 is closed by a projection 39 attached to the minutes hand gear 32.

lboth clocks in motion.

The seconds hand contacts 31 are closed instantly by the depressed portion of the cam 4I when the seconds hand reaches zero. When both contacts are closed a relay is energized, de-energizing start magnet 23 which in turn disengages clutch members I1 and I8, thus stopping the clock mechanism at zero.

In some football stadiums, one clock would be suiicient for use in timing the games. However, the construction of most stadiums makes the use of two clocks necessary in order that all spectators may conveniently see at least one time piece, For our description of the control circuits we have elected to show the apparatus necessary for controlling two clocks. In Fig. 4 we have shown diagrammatically two clocks A and B. While the clocks A and B are illustrated as having different control arrangements, it will be obvious from the following description that the controls may be exactly the same in both clocks.

At the start of a game it is necessary to start The timekeeper accomplishes this by closing switch 42 in the time control switch set 43. Closing switch 42 applies a ground through the tongues and back contacts of relays 44-A .and 44-B and through the back contacts and tongues of keys 45--A and 45-B to start magnets 23-A and .Z3-B. The other terminals of start magnets 23-A and 23-B are connected to battery. Thus start magnets 2li-A and 23-B are energized, starting clocks A and B by engaging their clutch members I1, I8 as has been previously described. Switch 42, in addition, grounds relay 46 which at present performs no function and the purpose of which will be explained later in this description.

When the rules ofthe game require that the clocks shall be stopped, the operator opens switch 42, thereby removing the ground from start magnets 23-A and 23-B and thus stopping clocks A and B by disengaging their clutch members I1, I8. The clutch mechanisms of both clocks A and B are designed to stop the units at the nearest fifth of a second interval following the opening of switch 42, this being the rotation time of the shaft I6, as has been previously described. Thus, if either clock be slightly out of phase with the other, both units will be brought into a synchronous position at this stopping point. This eliminates the chances of `accumulative error due to slight differences in speed of clutching and declutching the units.

Start magnet 23-A has operating signal relay 41 connected in series with its circuit. Operating signal relay 41, when energized, applies a ground through its armature 48 and conductor 49 to signal lamps I3 and i4 in the clock dial I0. Operating signal relay 41, being in the start magnet circuit, energizes every time switch 42 is closed, thus lighting signal lights I3 and I4, giving a visual signal that the clocks are in operation. It will be noted that these lights are controlled from the A clock circuit. Individual controls simultaneously operated may be provided for each clock if desired.

Keys l5-A and 45-B are provided for controlling clocks A and B independent of switch 42. This may be of advantage in setting the clocks to zero before the start of the game. These keys are not intended to form a part of the timing system but are simply a convenience in operating one clock without operating the other, as may sometimes be necessary.

At the end of the period both hands I2--A and II-A (not shown) approach zero. As minutes hand I 2-A approaches zero, contacts 38-A are closed by the cam 39.-A on the gear 32-A and apply a ground to one of the contacts of 31-A which remain open until seconds hand II-A reaches zero. When hand II-A reaches zero, contacts 31-A close by falling in the depression of cam 4I-A and transfer the ground through the tongue and back contact of relay 5I-A to the winding of relay 44-A which then energizes and opens the circuit through start magnet 23-A. Start magnet 23-A thus deenergizes .and the mechanism of clock A is stopped as heretofore described. At the same time operating signal relay 41 is deenergized and signal lights I3 and I4 are extinguished. Relay 44-A upon being energized grounds the signal horn 52 which operates, thus giving an audible signal that the end of the period has been reached. The signal continues until the ground from the horn is released by opening of switch 42. A circuit similar toI that described for clock A is also provided for clock B, except in that no duplicate signal apparatus is provided. The circuit for clock B is independent of that for clock A, thus should clock B be slightly out of phase with clock A synchronism will be restored at the zero point due to the fact that both clocks stop independent of each other.

With the clocks stopped automatically at zero, it is obviously necessary to provide some circuit for again starting these clocks from this zero position. For that purpose, zero reset relay 46 is provided. As explained before this relay is energized when switch 42 is closed and deenergized when switch 42 is opened. In its deenergized position relay 46 connects contact 31-A to zero start relays til-A and `il- B During normal operation this has no effect upon relays 5I--A and 5I-B since either contacts 31-A or .3B-A are open. However, at the end of the period when clocks A and B stop automatically (switch 42 being closed and zero reset relay 46 being energized), a ground is placed upon the back contact of relay 46 through the closure of contacts 31--A and 35i-A as has been previously described. Thus, upon opening switch 42, relay 46 is deenergized and the ground transferred to relays 5I-A and 5I-B, thus energizing them. Relays 5I-A and Fil-B, upon being energized, open the circuits through zero stop relays 44-A and 44-B, thus deenergizing them. Relays 44-A and i4-B in their deenergized position again restore continuity to the start magnet circuits ZS-A and 23-B, thus placing the clocks A and B in a position to again start. The ground from contacts 31-A, when relay EI--A is energized, is carried through the tongue of relay 5I-A to the front contact thereof, thus maintaining relays 5I-A and 5I-B energized as long as contacts 31-A and 3BA are closed. When contacts 31--A again open, relays 5I-A and EI-B will be deenergized and since the lground holding circuit is broken, there will be no danger of energizing relay 44-A until the hands of the clock have again made their complete circuit. It should be noted, however, that the contacts 31-A should open later than contacts 31-B, for should they open earlier the ground applied through contacts 'i-B would in turn energize relay 44-B, thus stopping clock B. This overlap is easily accomplished by making the depression in cam 4 I-A considerably longer than in cam 4I-B.

Push button 53 is provided in time control switch set 43 for stepping the minute hands IZ-A and I2-B around in unison with the seconds hands -A and I-B. rhi's may be necessary before the beginning of the game in order to quickly set both clocks to zero or when it is desired to cut any desired number of minutes from the playing time of a period due to pre-seasonal games or other conditions. Depressing button 53 applies a ground through the back contacts and tongues of keys 54-A and Eil-B to magnets Sil- A and S-B which are thus energized. Magnets 34-A and 34-B when energized release sun wheels 3l-A and iii-B and allow hands lI-A and IZ-A and lI-B and lZ-B to revolve in unison. When it is desired to shorten the period, push button 53 may be depressed while clocks A and B are running, held for about a second, and then released. This will allow the sun wheels to revolve one notch and will shorten the playing time one minute. The operation isf repeated for the desired number of minutes to be cut from the period. Keys 5ft-A and Sli- B are provided for applying this function to each clock independently should it be so desired.

Since the clocks are controlled by the single switch assembly 63, connected to the control mechanism through exible conductors, it isI evident that a considerable latitude of movement is provided for the timekeeper, thus enabling him to accompany the progress of the players along the field. It is obvious, of course, that vario-us changes may be made .in the details of construction of the timekeeping mechanism and that while it has been shown particularly for the timing of football games, it may, either in the form shown or by suitable modification be employed for timing other games or events.

What is claimed is:

l. In a time clock having a pair of hands with means for normally rotating the hands at relatively different speeds for time measurement, means for changing the normal speed of rotation of one of said hands for setting the same during rotation of the other of said hands at normal time measuring speed and automatic means for restoring the speed of rotation of said hand to normal at any one of a plurality of predetermined positions in its rotation with relation to said hand rotating at normal time measuring speed.

2. In a time clock having a pair of indicators with meansl for normally rotating the indicators at relatively different speeds for time measurement, frictionally driven means for changing the normal speed of one of said indicators for setting ie same, control means for said frictionally driven means designed to return said last named indicator to its normal speed of rotation at o-ne of a plurality of definite positions in its movement with relation to the other indicator whereby said indicators will be in correct relative positions after a change in the normal speed of one.

3. In a time clock for measuring and .indicating the progress and termination of a predetermined time period, a time indicator and a motor for driving the same, means for starting the time indicator from a normal starting position, means forstopping the indicator when it reaches a predetermined stopping position, and means acting while the motor is in operation for advancing the time indicator` in excess of its normal rate of travel for shortening the period which would normally elapse if said indicator traveled at its normal rate from its starting to its stopping position and having means provided for automatically stopping the excess travel of the indicator when itsl period has been shortened a predetermined amount.

4. The combination with a timing clock movement embodying time measuring and indicating means, said means including a pair of indicators, start-stop means for arbitrarily starting and stopping said time measuring means, means operable to advance said indicators together at the same speed through a predetermined angular distance at any time during a time measuring operation, and control means operatively connected with the clock movement embodying means for controlling both the start-stop means and the means to advance the time measuring means.

5. In a clock for timing athletic contests, a pair of rotary shafts, a motor and means to drive one of said shaftsl from said motor, an indicator hand on each of said shafts, a planetary gear train having a fifteen to one gear ratio driven from said motor driven shaft and operatively connected to drive the other of said shafts at a reduced speed, a friction member secured to said motor driven shaft in frictional engagement with a gear element of said planetary gear train, a series of fourteen equally spaced notches on said gear element and releasable means for engaging said notches to arrest progression of said gear element under the iniiuence of said friction member.

6. A time clock for measuring and summating increments of a predetermined total time separated by intervals not to be measured and of the type which embodies a clock with one or more summation indicators and a motor for driving the indicators, said clock embodying means including a normally open electrical circuit for automatically stopping the indicators by closing said circuit when the summation reaches a predetermined total and means including a manually operable switch for opening said circuit to pel'- mit advancing the clock from its stop position by said manually operable switch after it has been automatically stopped.

7. In a time clock movement embodying a time shaft and a time indicator rotatable therewith at a predetermined speed, a second time shaft and a second indicator rotatable therewith at a relatively slower speed, means for rotating the second named shaft at the speed of said first named shaft operable at any relative position of said indicators when setting said second named shaft to a new position, and means for restoring said second named shaft to the normal speed thereof after rotating through any one of a plurality of predetermined angular distances.

8. A timing system for measuring cumulative increments of a predetermined total time and of the type which embodies a clock having a timing indicator and a moto-r for driving said indicator,

said system having means including a normally v open electrical circuit for automatically arresting forward movement of the indicator upon closing of said circuit at a predetermined time, a second circuit, a manually operable switch in said second circuit, a perceptible signal, means to cause operation of said signal upon closing of said rst circuit, and means for opening said rst named circuit when said switch is opened, the opening of said switch causing said signal to cease operation.

9. In a time clock, a constantly running motor, a time indicator, means to drive said time indicator from said motor including a clutch, said clutch comprising a driving and a movable driven member, the latter serving to drive said indicator, interlocking elements on said driving and driven members' to provide a positive driving connection therebetween, a stop projection on said driven member having a cam surface, and a member movable into the path of said projection to cooperate with said cam surface thereby disengaging said clutch members and arresting forward motion of said driven member.

10. In a clock for timing athletic contests, timing means including a pair of indicators', power means and means to drive one of said indicators from said power means, a planetary gear train driven from said power driven indicator and operatively connected to drive the other of said indicators at a reduced speed, a clutch member driven from said power means and cooperating with a gear element of said planetary gear train to drive the same at times, a series of fourteen equally spaced stop means on said gear element and releasable means for engaging said stop means to arrest progression of said gear element under the influence of said clutch member.

11. In a time clock movement embodying a time indicator movable at a predetermined speed, a second time indicator movable at a relatively slower speed, means for moving the second named indicator at the speed of the first named indicator operable at any relative position of said indicators when setting said second named indicator to a new position, and means for restoring said second named indicator to the normal speed thereof after moving through any one of a plurality of predetermined distances.

ROBERT STEENECK. ROBERT F. DIRKES. 

